Houston at L.A. Lakers
Time: 9:30 PM CT, ESPN
Spread: HOU -3.5
Total: 234.5

Odds c/o 5dimes

The Houston Rockets opened its season with a 112-131 loss to the much-improved New Orleans Pelicans. It now travels to face the L.A. Lakers at 9:30 PM (CT) on ESPN as 3.5-point favorites over LeBron James and company. The game features an over/under of 234.5 points according to NBA oddsmakers at 5dimes.

HOU

Houston had no answer for Anthony Davis in the opener, as the Pelicans forward shot 13 of 21 en route to 32 points. Houston trailed by 15 at the half, and it “won” not a single quarter of the four. Nikola Mirotic also hurt the Rockets for 30 points, as the Pelicans put all five starters in double-figures and brought Julius Randle off the bench to the tune of 25 points in 24 minutes.

The Rockets backcourt of Chris Paul and James Harden shot just a combined 12 of 27 for 37 combined points, though Harden did nearly manage a triple-double with his 10 assists and nine boards. Eric Gordon continued his pursuit of a Sixth Man award with 21 points off the bench, but Houston will really need to tighten up its defense because it cannot win a ton of games while giving up 131 points. That, of course, goes without saying, but the Pelicans put up 149 points last night, so perhaps New Orleans just is really that good.

LAL

The Lakers are 0-1 after opening its season with a 119-128 loss to Portland on the road. This will be its home opener, and the hype for LeBron James is naturally the main story. James joins a talented cast of youngsters, beginning a new chapter in his illustrious career. But how good can the Lakers really be? Guesses range all over the board, with its talented young players undoubtedly to benefit from James’ passing prowess and the attention James commands on the offensive end.

LeBron scored 26 in the season opener, and Brandon Ingram added 16 points. Ingram has drawn high praise from James, and he could be a breakout player this season. The Lakers’ biggest hole comes at center, where JaVale McGee has done decent, thus far. He had 13 points and eight boards in the opener in just 22 minutes, but he is not a big-minutes player due to his exercise-induced asthma. The Lakers did not even call on Ivica Zubac, but it has to be expected that he enters the picture as this season wears on.

Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart combined for 35 of the Lakers 46 bench points, and L.A. should be able to get plenty out of its second unit, particularly Kuzma, as he began his rookie season as a starter but is now forced to the bench to make way for James in the starting five. Lonzo Ball suffers the biggest detraction, with Rajon Rondo having claimed the starting job and playing extremely well with a 13 point, 11 assist game on opening night. Rondo, for all his faults, is a “gamer” who may experience a career year revitalized with James.

He was extremely effective in the playoffs last year for the Pelicans, and one thing he can do is pass the rock. He has no shortage of options with James, Ingram, Hart, and Kuzma all capable of filling it up.

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